A trademark allows you or your business to identify goods or services and distinguish them from others made or rendered by other parties. For example, if you create a name for a product you develop, the trademark cannot be used by other companies without permission from you. Should another business use your trademark unwarranted, this is considered trademark infringement. To understand what are the penalties for infringing on a trademark, it’s crucial to know how […]

Before your business begins using a mark that identifies your service or product, you must perform a trademark clearance search to ensure there aren’t other trademarks similar to the one you want to use. While this process can be long and difficult, it is absolutely essential. What Does Trademark Clearance Mean? Trademark clearance means you have determined that no other business is using a trademark similar to the one you’re considering using, preventing you from […]

Building a business is no easy task. It takes hard work and a commitment of both time and money. A business needs customers to grow and thrive. The way to reach these customers is through marketing your business, which includes building a brand. Unfortunately, elements of a brand can be misused. The smartest way to ensure your hard work is properly protected is through the use of a trademark. Brand awareness consists of your name […]

When you create a business that provides a service, there are numerous moving parts that need to be considered for success. For any business, it is vital to build brand awareness. Your brand often consists of your name, logo, and the way you present yourself through advertising, marketing, and your digital presence. You want to create a brand that is recognizable to your current and prospective clients. A service mark is part of the success […]

Trademarks help businesses maintain a distinct brand identity. Some companies file for a trademark on a logo or slogan and then never use them. Other times, the iconography is too similar to other existing trademarks. In these scenarios, the United States Patent and Trademarks Office (USPTO) may deem a trademark invalid and revoke it. We’ll help you navigate the reasons why the USPTO invalidates trademarks and how to avoid the issue. Can the United States […]

A trademark helps differentiate your business from the rest and gives a company a sense of identity. Sometimes, the United States Patent and Trademark Office may determine your trademark does not meet the criteria for protection. It’s important to know what elements in a trademark may lead to an invalidation and a lack of protection. We’ll help you determine if your trademark is valid and what to do when you have trouble getting legal protection […]

Nowadays, there isn’t a lot of legal confusion surrounding rights issues with books. The same is generally true of plays, music, movies, and TV shows. Video games, though, are a different issue. Video games are a new medium, and there are a lot of questions regarding how this new medium should be handled. One of these issues is the relationship between the new medium and trademarks. In general, it seems that treating the medium the […]

The craft brewing industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in terms of new firms in America. In such a crowded industry, it can sometimes be difficult to stand out. That’s why success in the craft brewery industry is often a two-fold process. Having a solid product that people can count on is often the foundation of the business, but for real success, it’s often not enough. Building an equally strong brand that people readily […]